March 28, 2024
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy photos submitted
The Shafer Gallery will host a reception for its “Terra Et Intus” exhibit from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 12 in the Gallery and will feature light refreshments and a talk by artist and Barton Art Instructor Mark Freeman. The exhibit opens April 5 and runs through April 20.
Shafer Gallery Director Alyssa Bliven said the exhibit features captivating 3D pieces.
“Mark Freeman is a truly talented artist, and we at Barton Community College are fortunate to have him as both an instructor and coworker,” she said. “It is with great excitement that I present his Fort Hays MFA thesis work, 'Terra Et Intus,' at the Shafer Gallery. Mark primarily works in clay and glaze but also explores other mediums such as wood, paint, foam, and organic materials. To quote Mark, he is 'deeply rooted in all aspects of the ceramic process.' As a viewer, I find his glazes captivating and unique within the world of ceramics. Mark diligently strives to replicate the textures found in nature, sometimes creating pieces that seem as though they're covered with microscopic biomes teeming with life. In Mark's own words, he 'will continue this body of work, hoping to raise awareness of the microscopic beauty of the earth and within ourselves that we often take for granted.'"
The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, contact Bliven at shafergallery@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9342.